Description:

John F. Kennedy
n.p., January 29, 1997
Robert McNamara on JFK Assassination: "not a shred of evidence to support Evelyn Lincoln's 'conspiracy theory'"
AES
Autograph Endorsement Signed, "Robert S. McNamara", dated January 29, 1997, on a Typed Letter Signed, "Richard Duncan", 1p, 8.5" x 11", Roanoke, Virginia, January 23, 1997. Flattened mailing folds and light creases. In fine condition. Ex-Estate of Ronald Hoskins, assassinologist.

On October 7, 1994, President John F. Kennedy's personal secretary Evelyn Lincoln wrote to Richard Duncan, a teacher at Northside Middle School in Roanoke, Virginia: "As far as the assassination is concerned it is my belief that there was a conspiracy because there were those that disliked him and felt the only way to get rid of him was to assassinate him. These five conspirators, in my opinion, were Lyndon B. Johnson, J. Edgar Hoover, the Mafia, the CIA, and the Cubans in Florida."

In 1997, though Duncan had retired from his teaching position at the school, he continued to work with students part time. Still keenly interested in the assassination, Duncan sent letters to several influential people whom he thought might have an opinion on Evelyn Lincoln's conspiracy theories.

The present letter is the original signed copy that Richard Duncan sent to Robert McNamara on January 23, 1997. In part: "I know this is an imposition upon you but we would greatly appreciate any response you may be able to give. Your unique role in history will certainly attract the attention and interest of students..."

In response, McNamara adds a signed endorsement to Duncan's letter at top right, in full: "1/29/97 To Richard Duncan / So far as I know there is not a shred of evidence to support Evelyn Lincoln's 'conspiracy theory'. / Sincerely Robert S. McNamara".

Robert S. McNamara (1916-2009) was the U.S. Secretary of Defense under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson from 1961 to 1968 at the height of the Cold War. He remains the longest-serving secretary of defense, having remained in office over seven years. He played a major role in promoting the involvement of the United States in the Vietnam War. McNamara became one of the few members of the Kennedy Administration to work and socialize with Kennedy, and he became close to Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, eventually serving as a pallbearer at the younger Kennedy's funeral in 1968.

Richard L. Duncan (1938-2013) was born in Virginia and graduated from Roanoke College in 1960. In 1958, he married Shirley Campbell, and they had three children. Duncan received a master's degree in education from Hollins University in 1972. He taught in Roanoke County schools for thirty-six years, mostly at Northside Middle School, until his retirement in 1996. In 1988, he was honored as the Social Studies Teacher of the Year for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Evelyn Norton Lincoln (1909-1995) was born in Nebraska. In 1930, she married federal worker Harold W. Lincoln, whom she had met at George Washington University. In 1953, she became personal secretary to newly elected Senator John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts. Lincoln remained close to Kennedy until his death. In 1965, she published "My Twelve Years with John F. Kennedy", and in 1968, she wrote a book, "Kennedy and Johnson", that suggested that Kennedy planned to replace Johnson as his running mate in 1964. She implicated Johnson, FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, the CIA, the mafia, and Cuban refugees in a vast conspiracy to assassinate Kennedy. According to the National Archives, Lincoln gave away or sold many Kennedy documents and artifacts with which she had been entrusted.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8.5" x 11"
  • Medium: AES

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